Sometimes you need to get that blog post up right away and don't have a lot of time to search for, or shoot, the perfect companion photograph. One way to fix this problem is to plan ahead and start creating your own stock photo library.

Start taking photos that might have a broad interest or could easily complement a variety of themes, even if you don't currently have a use for them.

Photograph things like clouds, backgrounds, textures, sunsets and other abstract images that can be used to illustrate a number of different ideas. Everyday objects, like old books, a typewriter, silverware, tools, and cameras can work as well.

For example, the image posted above could be used to illustrate anything: a winter holiday, the change of seasons, the natural world, peace, solitude, notifying readers you're on vacation, or a hundred different meanings that you could think of.

As you begin creating a significant number of images, the next challenge will be to catalog and categorize all of them so they can be found at a moment's notice. Read more about that right here.

Altitude Summit

Alt Summit Blogging Goodness in SLC, and now Online!

Altitude Summit is your definitive resource for the very serious business of beautiful, brilliant blogging. A community of exciting, creative thinkers and entrepreneurs, Altitude Summit is a workshop with all your closest friends, and friends-to-be! Did we mention the Altitude Summit in SLC from January 22-25, 2014 and in SF on July 18, 2013. We’ve convened the absolute bee’s knees of lifestyle bloggers to discuss how to build, brand and beautify your site. Alt Summit is a must for the budding blogger or the established icon. Can’t make it in person? Don’t forget to check out all the cool stuff on our newly expanded site. Alt Summit is better than ever with myriad morsels of blogging tips and tricks.